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Dog with massive tumour abandoned by owner

April was found wandering the streets of Salford with the two large growths. Photo: MEN Syndication

An abandoned dog whose life was made a misery by two huge tumours hanging from its stomach is up for adoption following an operation to remove them.

April, an elderly Staffordshire bull terrier, was found wandering the streets of Salford with the two large growths.

She had been carrying the tumours, which weighed 1.5kg – the equivalent of three bags of sugar – for months.

One was so big, that it was bleeding from being dragged along the ground.

The growths turned out to be benign tumours. Credit: MEN Syndication

April was rescued a passer-by near Lightoaks Park in Seedley before being handed to the RSPCA before Salford council dog wardens Erica Eaton and Will Harris picked her up.

The plucky mooch was clearly in a lot of pain, but never stopped wagging her tail.

Rochdale Dog Rescue bosses then stumped up the £400 needed for a two-hour operation to remove the tumours.

Fortunately, the growths were discovered to be non-cancerous fatty tissue.

April is now happy, with Erica and Will taking it in turns to look after her, but they want to find her a permanent home.

Dog warden Erica, who admitted she had tears in her eyes when she dropped April at the vets, said: “We collected her from the RSPCA and feared the worst with the tumours being so large, but we had to give her a chance.

“She couldn’t jump or stand on her back legs, she didn’t want to play and was subdued because of the pain relief medication, but her tail never stopped wagging.”

April only needs minor follow-up treatment - and is in good spirits.

Warden Will took her home and after a good night’s sleep, she jumped up on the sofa and started playing with a ball his garden.

Will said: “She was good as gold and house trained.

“We think she has been someone’s family pet because she’s good with everyone, including children and other dogs.”

Rochdale Dog Rescue and is looking for a new home.

Councillor Dave Lancaster, Salford town hall’s lead member for environment and community safety, said: “This kind of heartbreaking story is something our dog wardens deal with day in day out.

“Fortunately this time it had a happy ending. They really go above and beyond to care for dogs in Salford and I’m delighted to see April so happy and well.”